troops will remain in iraq with a different mission. advising and assisting iraq's security forces. supporting iraq troops and targeted counterterrorism missions. consistent with our agreement with the iraqi government, all u.s. troops will leave by the end of next year. as our military draws down, our dedicated civilians, diplomats, aide workers and advisers are moving into the lead to support iraq as it strengthens its government and resolves political disputes and builds ties with the region and the world. that's a message that vice president biden is delivering to the iraqi people through his visit there today. this new approach rein effects our long-term partnership with iraq. one based upon mutual interest and mutual respect. of course, violence will not end with our combat mission. extremists will continue to set off bombs, attack iraqi civilians and try to spark sectarian strife. but ultimately, these terrorists will fail to achieve their goals. iraqis are a proud people. they have rejected sectarian war and they have no interesting in endless destruction. they understand in